In 2016 working as an event organiser was voted the fifth most stressful career. We all know that having a good work life balance is essential in keeping stress levels at bay, but with the time pressures on individuals working in the events industry, it’s something lots of us feel we simply can’t achieve. But committing just a small amount of time to something outside the workplace can have a profound effect on your wellbeing.

To celebrate the launch of the UK Event Wellbeing Week (18-22 September 2017 #eventwell17), we’ve put together 10 ways in which you can make a positive impact on your work life balance by and it only needs to take one hour a week. We reckon that’s achievable for every single one of us…

Reading

Great for… escapism

Think you’re too busy to read a book? Well Bill Gates gets through about 50 a year and we reckon he’s probably got lots on too! We’re not suggesting you set your sights quite that high, but 20 minutes every week night before you go to sleep will help you switch off from the day, give you another world to disappear off in to and might even provide some inspiration for other areas of your life.

Meditation

Great for… focus and relaxation

Many people immediately dismiss the idea of meditation as ‘not for them’, but with mindfulness becoming more accessible through apps like Headspace, Mindfulness Daily and Smiling Mind, the practice is becoming more widespread. It’s definitely something to look into if you ever feel overwhelmed, unable to switch off or stressed.

Yoga

Great for… relaxation and physical health

Whatever your age, gender or physical ability, yoga can work for you. With a focus on stretching and breathing, yoga is a fabulous practice which combines physical and mental wellbeing. There are lots of different types of classes you can take, some which are very slow paced and others which give you an intense cardio workout. To find out whether you’d be suited to Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Bikram or one of the other variations of this ancient Indian practice, why not come along to No.4 Hamilton Place’s free yoga morning on Monday 18th September? We’re celebrating the start of the UK Event Wellbeing Week with a launch event which includes an opening address from the co-founding supporters of the initiative, a delicious breakfast and of course, lots of yoga. Places are free, but you’ll need to book.

Volunteering

Great for… the soul

When you work in an intense job it’s easy to lose perspective. Taking yourself out of your everyday environment, even for a short while, and immersing yourself in something completely different can help realign your world view. Whether you listen to primary school children read in your lunch hour, help with the gardening at a local old people’s home on the weekend or become a trained call handler for the Samaritans, doing something totally different to your day job and helping others could have an enormous effect on your wellbeing. To find opportunities that fit in around your life, search on the national website https://do-it.org/ – you might be surprised how easy it is to fit something into an already busy schedule.

Exercise

Great for… mood and maintaining a healthy weight

We all know the benefits of exercise, but it’s something lots of people struggle committing to. Book into a pre-paid course of classes or commit to a gym session or a weekly jog with a friend who you’d feel dreadful about letting down. You could even set yourself a charity challenge and raise money through your social media platforms. Whatever you choose to do, make yourself accountable to minimise the chances of you backing out.

Phone a friend

Great for… lifting your mood and gaining perspective

Is there someone in your life who makes you laugh? Someone who you think would really appreciate you reaching out? Someone you just want to reconnect with? Every week take some time to make a phone call you know will add value to yours, or the recipient’s day.

Eating out

Great for… de-stressing and having fun

There’s nothing better than sitting around a table with friends or family and tucking into a good meal and enjoying great company. Turn off your phone and have a ‘no shop talk’ rule.

Healthy eating

Great for… energy levels, weight loss and mood

Whether you want to lose weight or just eat healthily, it takes commitment, and not just in the will power department. Dedicating an hour a week to planning your meals and snacks and placing an online shopping order takes care of the logistics for the week. Eating well will give you the right fuel to deal with whatever the week throws at you.

Life coaching

Great for… maintaining good mental health

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, unhappy, exhausted or just bored, talking to someone who can help you articulate your dissatisfaction and put a plan in place to make changes could prove invaluable. A life coach may be quite a financial commitment, but it’s a worthwhile investment.

Pampering

Great for… relaxation and confidence

It might be getting a massage or spa treatment, a haircut, or a trip to a nail salon, whatever helps you feel relaxed and good about yourself is worth dedicating a little time to. If you’re on a budget, simply take some regular time at home to indulge.

UK Event Wellbeing Week

Visit the website for more information on the UK Event Wellbeing Week, including a list of free events taking place from 18-22 September 2017, like the launch morning at No.4 Hamilton Place from 8am-10am. We’d love to see lots of you at our historic, Mayfair townhouse for breakfast on the Terrace. Don’t forget to let us know if you’re coming!